Lin, Steel tied after three rounds at in Indonesia

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JAKARTA -- Chinese Taipei star Lin Wen-tang and Malaysia's Iain Steel took charge in the third round at the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational with main Sponsor Qatar Telecom on Saturday.

The in-form Lin blasted six straight birdies on the way to a seven-under-par 65 and was tied at the top of the pack alongside Steel who shot his second straight 66 at the Damai Indah Golf and Country Club.

With matching 15-under-par 201 total, the leading duo enjoyed a two stroke advantage over American Anthony Kang who improved with a 66 in lone third place while big-hitting Australian Scott Hend recorded a similar score to lie in fourth spot in the $400,000 event.

Thailand's Panuwat Muenlek remained steady with his third straight 69 to lie in joint fifth place alongside compatriot Thaworn Wiratchant who shot a 71 for a 207 total. Also in the mix in tied fifth spot was Australian duo of Jason King and David Gleeson who posted a 67 and 69 respectively together with Filipino Mars Pucay who shot a 71.

Having parred the first three holes today, Lin blazed through the front nine firing six straight birdies on the way to a lowly 65 and the joint lead.

"I'm quite surprised. I was tired heading into the weekend but my driving was good and I missed the fairway only once today. I was driving it really well and my iron play was spot on and most of my putts today were within five feet so it was a good day," said Lin, who won the Asian Tour International in Thailand in March.

"I am playing to win. I am gunning for a second title this year and I feel great. I know I am playing with some of the top players but if I follow my rhythm, I should be able to repeat my run on Sunday," added Lin.

Malaysia's Steel, who has been knocking on the door of success with top-10 finishes in his last two events on the Asian Tour, will be eyeing a breakthrough win this week.

"It's my fourth straight round without dropping a shot, and I've managed to continue my streak from last week. I saw the leaderboard on the 15th hole and noticed I was one stroke back. I knew I was playing with some really steady players so I wasn't that surprised. I shot a birdie on the 17th hole and it kept me in a good position heading into the final round," said Steel, who nailed six birdies today.

After a tied third finish at the Brunei Open last week, American Kang aims to remain calm for a solid finish on Sunday.

"I want to keep it going and don't want to force anything to happen. If I can finish one stroke better than the rest of the field after 18 holes tomorrow, it would be nice. I can't explain why my form always rises after the second half of the season but I'm happy with it," said Kang.

Australia's Hend, with one runner-up and two top-10 finishes this year, walked away with mixed feelings after a 66 that included an eagle at the par five 13th hole.

"I'm disappointed with my putting. I could have gone 14 under today. I couldn't have hit it any better out there and I just needed to putt well so it was quite frustrating. I'm still very much in contention so I'm pleased," said the former PGA TOUR player.

Defending champion Juvic Pagunsan was even-par for the day for a 217 total to lie in joint 58th place.